Skip to main content Skip to main navigation
heart-solid My Visit Donate
Home Smithsonian Institution IK development site for ODI
Press Enter to activate a submenu, down arrow to access the items and Escape to close the submenu.
    • Overview
    • Museums and Zoo
    • Entry and Guidelines
    • Museum Maps
    • Dine and Shop
    • Accessibility
    • Visiting with Kids
    • Group Visits
    • Overview
    • Exhibitions
    • Online Events
    • All Events
    • IMAX & Planetarium
    • Overview
    • Topics
    • Collections
    • Research Resources
    • Stories
    • Podcasts
    • Overview
    • For Caregivers
    • For Educators
    • For Students
    • For Academics
    • For Lifelong Learners
    • Overview
    • Become a Member
    • Renew Membership
    • Make a Gift
    • Volunteer
    • Overview
    • Our Organization
    • Our Leadership
    • Reports and Plans
    • Newsdesk
heart-solid My Visit Donate

Daimler-Benz DB 605 Inverted V-12 Engine

Air and Space Museum

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .
International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
View manifest View in Mirador Viewer

    Object Details

    Manufacturer

    Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft

    Physical Description

    Type: Reciprocating, inverted V, 12 cylinders, liquid-cooled, geared drive
    Power rating: 1,100 kW (1,475 hp) at 2,800 rpm
    Displacement: 35.7 L (2,179 cu in.)
    Bore and Stroke: 154 mm (6.1 in.) x 160 mm (6.3 in.)
    Weight: 745 kg (1,642 lb)

    Summary

    Developed from the DB-600 engine first produced in November 1937, the DB-600 series was used primarily in Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Bf 110 fighters. In 1939, a Messerschmitt 209V1, using a DB-605ARJ engine, set a world's record of 755 km/hr (469.22 mph) which was not broken by a propeller driven aircraft until 1969.
    Inverted mounting provided better visibility, lower center of gravity, and improved maintenance access. In the Bf 109, a cannon was mounted between the engine banks and fired through a propeller hub. The DB-601A in the Bf 109E, used fuel injection instead of a carburetor, a great asset in combat since the engine did not cut out under negative g forces. This engine was also used in some Heinkel 111s and license-built versions in the Macchi MC.202 Folgore and several Japanese aircraft.
    Of the 74,896 DB 600 series engines, 42,405 DB 605 engines were produced, more than any other model.

    Credit Line

    Transferred from the U.S. Air Force Museum

    Date

    1943

    Inventory Number

    A19670086000

    Restrictions & Rights

    Usage conditions apply

    Type

    PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary

    Materials

    Metal

    Dimensions

    Overall: 3 ft. 3 13/16 in. × 2 ft. 4 5/16 in. × 5 ft. 8 1/2 in., 1642lb. (101.1 × 71.9 × 174cm, 744.8kg)

    Country of Origin

    Germany

    See more items in

    National Air and Space Museum Collection

    Data Source

    National Air and Space Museum

    Metadata Usage

    Not determined

    Link to Original Record

    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv97e4374b6-aac0-4d1e-87f0-352b071ccc6b

    Record ID

    nasm_A19670086000

    Discover More

    Image of Packard Merlin V-1650-7 engine

    Propulsion

    Image of Packard Merlin V-1650-7 engine

    Propulsion

    arrow-up Back to top
    Home
    • Facebook facebook
    • Instagram instagram
    • LinkedIn linkedin
    • YouTube youtube

    • Contact Us
    • Get Involved
    • Shop Online
    • Job Opportunities
    • Equal Opportunity
    • Inspector General
    • Records Requests
    • Accessibility
    • Host Your Event
    • Press Room
    • Privacy
    • Terms of Use